When I last spoke with Timothy Hawk, he was relatively new to Butler and, as Executive Director of Community Options, Inc.’s Butler office, new to directing the Cupid’s Chase 5k. In 2019 he reported that his wife Hannah would push their son Thomas in a stroller for the event.

This year, both Hannah and Thomas will be running along with a 3-year-old sibling in the stroller as Cupid’s Chase 5k celebrates its sixth year on Saturday at 10 a.m. Butler’s Cupid’s Chase 5k is one of more than 40 run/walks held across the country to benefit Community Options on Valentine’s Day weekend.

Community Options is a nationally based nonprofit that has provided housing and employment opportunities for people with autism or intellectual disabilities since 1989. The Butler office currently serves 21 people and provides housing in 11 homes throughout the county. Funds raised through this year’s Cupid’s Chase will be used in maintenance or improvement projects and act as an emergency fund for these homes.

Cupid’s Chase has already raised more than $11,000, surpassing its fundraising goal of prior to the race for the second year in a row. Tim Hawk credits community and sponsors and participants for their generous support of the organization’s mission. He says that this year’s event kicked off early with a bowling event in August and bingo last month.

Based on registrations so far, Tim expects 125-130 participants this year. Although the race would not be canceled unless road conditions are treacherous, participation is very weather-dependent. A sunny day will bring many more day-of-event registrations.

The race begins and ends on the golf club grounds with a T-shaped course run mostly on Isle Road. There’s one long hill in the middle of the race to make it challenging for competitors. This year’s racecourse is certified and sanctioned by USATF.

There is one water station on the course which runners pass twice.

Tim calls the course “accessible to everyone.” Strollers, wheelchairs, dogs, and walkers are welcome on the family-friendly course, but pets are not allowed inside the Lake Arthur Golf Club banquet hall for post-race refreshments and awards.

All participants receive an UnderArmour t-shirt, swag bag and finisher’s medal. Top three male and female finishers earn trophies while first finishers in age groups from 12 & Under through 70+ earn special medals.

All finishers may enjoy post-race refreshments in the warmth of the Lake Arthur Golf Club’s banquet hall. Post-race snacks vary from year to year, but can include coffee, water, juice, donuts or pastries, cookies, yogurt, and bagels.

Runners have many options to sign up. Online registration is open now at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/CupidsChase5kButler. There will be registration and packet pickup this week from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. at Community Options office at 407B West Jefferson Street in Butler and at Up’N’Running, 1177 Route 8, Valencia on Friday from 10:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Day of event registration opens at Lake Arthur Gold Club at 8:30 A.M.

Cupid’s Chase 5k is more than just a race. It’s a community event. Although Tim Hawk says that volunteers do an excellent job at everything from water stations to registration and clean-up or just cheering on the participants, there’s always room for more. If you or your group, including friends, scout troops, etc. would like to help, contact Tim at 724-613-8133 or timothy.hawk@comop.org or just show up on Saturday morning.

For more information about Community Options, Inc., their mission and services, visit www.comop.org

Upcoming events

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Cupid’s Chase 5k, Butler. Run at Lake Arthur Golf Club. 724-613-8133 or timothy.hawk@comop.org. Online registration at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/CupidsChase5kButler

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Community Options Cupid’s Chase, Pittsburgh.

Sunday, 10 a.m.: Valentine Prediction Race, Erie. Time prediction run of between 4 and 6 miles with chocolate awards. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Erie/ERCValentinePredictionRun2

Feb. 18, 9 a.m.: Epicenter Eight(.5), Fredonia. Race #1 of MCTA 26.2 Series starts at Fredonia Presbyterian Church. 724-301-6775 or www.mctrails.org/events-1

Feb. 25, 10 p.m.: The Spring Thaw 5, 10, 15 or 20 Miles, Allison Park. Run loops around North Park Lake. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/TheSpringThaw

Feb. 25, 7:30 a.m.: Olde Girdled Grit Trail Run Marathon, Concord Township, Ohio. Scenic run through 2 parks. Half marathon starts at 9 A.M. www.gcxcrunningseries.com/oldegirdledgrit

Feb. 25, 4 p.m.: Big One Run Mile Race, New Castle. Fast, point-to-point course in Cascade Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/NewCastle/BIGONERUN

March 4, 9 a.m.: Shamrock Run 5k, Cranberry Township. Run at Graham Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/CranberryTownship/ShamrockRunCranberry

March 4, 9 a.m.: South Park Half Marathon, South Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/SouthParkTownship/SouthParkHalfMarathon

March 4, 11 a.m.: Ellport Boro Community 5k, Ellport. Scenic 5k with post-race pizza. runsignup.com/Race/PA/ELLWOODCITY/ELLPORTBOROWINTERWONDERLAND5K

March 11, 9 a.m.: St. Patrick’s Distance Festival, Erie. Run 5k, 10k or both. Starts at Presque Isle State Park’s Rotary Pavilion. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Erie/StPatricksDayDistanceFestival

March 18, 10 a.m.: Trout Island Tromp 4.6 Miles, Sharpsville. Run on Trout Island Rail Trail, Race 2 in MCTA 26.2 Series. 724-301-6775 or www.mctrails.org/events-1

March 18, 10 a.m.: Shamrock Shuffle 5k and 1 Mile Fun Walk, Leechburg. Costumes encouraged, dog friendly. Also Small Town, Loud Voice Dance Party at 6 P.M. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Leechburg/ShamShuffle

March 25, 7:30 a.m.: Shamrock Shuffle Half Marathon, 5k and 1 Mile Run/Walk, Harmony. Challenging, hilly course. 5k starts at 10 A.M., 1 Mile at 11 A.M. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Harmony/ShamrockShuffleZeienopleRotary

March 25, 10 a.m.: Kiski Area Shamrock Run 5k, Apollo. Out and back from Kunkle Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Apollo/KiskiAreaShamrockRun5K

April 1, 10 a.m.: Easter Egg Dash 5k, Bunny Hop 1 Mile and Kids Easter Egg Hunt, Butler. Start and finish at Butler High School’s Art Bernardi Stadium. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/BestBuddiesEasterEggDash

April 1, 10 a.m.: Helicon Brewing Food Truck 5k Run and 1 Mile Walk, Oakdale. Flat, fast, out-and-back on Panhandle Trail. Post race party with free pint of beer and food truck voucher. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Oakdale/HeliconBrewingFoodTruck5K

April 1, 10 a.m.: Fool’s Run 5k and 10k, Black Lick. Run out-and-back on Ghost Town Trail from Saylor Pavilion. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Indiana/FoolsRun10K5K?remMeAttempt=

April 8, 9 a.m.: Dirty Kiln Trail Races at Canoe Creek State Park, Hollidaysburg. 10k starts at 9:30 A.M. Stream crossings, singletrack, hills and mud. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Hollidaysburg/DirtyKiln

April 16, 9 a.m.: Run to Breathe Half Marathon and 5k, Portersville. Starts at Moraine State Park’s McDanel’s Boat Launch. Run out-and-back on paved bike path. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Portersville/RunToBreatheHalfMarathon5K

Race results

EQT 10 Miler, Nov. 6: Dylan Gearinger, 1st Overall M, 49:02; Elaina Tabb, 1st Overall W, 55:48; Jacob Campbell, 3rd 25-29 M, 58:04; Seth Jenny, 2nd 40-44 M, 1:02:51; Emily Wolfarth, 3rd 30-34 W, 1:10:10; Gerald Kosar, 3rd 60-64 M, 1:16:28; Madeline Meeuf, 2nd 19 & Under W, 1:18:33; David Spencer, 1st 65-69 M, 1:19:52; Josh Flanhofer, 1:03:47; Jared Famiglietti, 1:08:19; Patrick Himes, 1:09:03; Luke Anderson, 1:12:02; Sarah McGowan, 1:12:22; Natalie Richard, 1:13:32; Mark Munger, 1:14:15; Brian McGowan, 1:14:56; Jason Cecchetti, 1:14:59; Daniele Cecchetti, 1:15:00; Caitlin Snyder, 1:15:33; Calum Munro, 1:15:45; Jose Manuel Sanchez Pedregal, 1:16:02; David France, 1:16:04; Josh Gretz, 1:16:48; Bill Snider, 1:17:49; Donald Donatelli, 1:18:28; Robin Springirth, 1:18:29; Dillon Burkarth, 1:18:32; Alex Carmelite, 1:18:41; Ben Brestensky, 1:18:45; Luke Hassler, 1:18:46; Sean Erskine, 1:18:59; Ashley Herb, 1:19:01; Holly Muchenski, 1:19:04; Kevin Hixon, 1:19:36; Dylan Loeffler, 1:20:44; Robert Pudlo, 1:20:45; Michael Fitzgerald, 1:21:04; Michael Gerver, 1:21:58; Jessi Drayer, 1:22:44; Kim Spears, 1:22:48; Ed Sutton, 1:23:13; Kate Meeuf, 1:23:43; Alyssa Siegel, 1:23:43; Denise Shearer, 1:23:46; Kristen Shebek, 1:23:56; Brady Spoores, 1:24:00; William Marsh, 1:24:20; Glenn Battle, 1:24:39; Roger Lutz, 1:25:17; Dianne Zalenski, 1:25:20; Terence Ake, 1:25:52; Dana Nicklas, 1:25:58; Mario Dias, 1:26:41; Ray Huber, 1:26:43; Tracey Smith, 1:26:54; Nicole Baleno, 1:26:56; Lisa Failla, 1:27:08; Allison Romano, 1:27:09; Kirsten Beck, 1:27:16; Juan Marquina, 1:27:16; Ian Legeion, 1:27:46; Stuart Cashman, 1:27:46; Timothy James, 1:28:09; John Miller, 1:28:22; Ariel Laur, 1:29:46; Garrett Barnett, 1:29:50; Pete Braunger, 1:29:53; Kyle Morgan, 1:29:55; Jacob Pietrusinski, 1:30:00; Julianna Watenpool, 1:30:07; Robert Waltrip, 1:30:26; Mary Dias, 1:31:04; Daniel Bencun, 1:31:42; John Scungio, 1:32:12; Steve Swan, 1:32:23; Steven Nichols, 1:32:51; Erin Stonebraker, 1:33:12; Kate Yeager, 1:33:13; Daniel Menchyk, 1:33:40; Anna Williams, 1:33:50; Adair Pietropaolo, 1:33:54; Karen Springmeyer, 1:33:54; Evonne Patterson, 1:34:03; Jinny Hertweck, 1:34:15; Curtis Pfleegor, 1:34:29; Shirley Dong, 1:34:48; Leanna Anderson, 1:34:55; Seth Stallard, 1:35:05; Tyson Croyle, 1:35:11; Carolyn Grider, 1:35:32; Brittany Pfeegor, 1:35:45; Amber Castelli, 1:36:08; Valerie Snow, 1:36:09; Craig Riner, 1:36:56; Tony Weis, 1:37:02; Shane Carney, 1:37:53; Lydia Wudarczyk, 1:38:03; Jill Terwilliger, 1:38:17; Lindsay DeFelice, 1:38:17; Micci Huterer, 1:38:18; Tar Napolitano, 1:38:33; Corinne Savena, 1:38:55; James Trivoli, 1:39:01; Kristina Mountz, 1:39:45; Leonard Coyer, 1:39:45; Karrie Coyer, 1:39:46; Amanda Hardt, 1:39:53; Jacob Gill, 1:40:20; Quinn Adams, 1:40:35; Carl Eichenlaub, 1:40:41; Jake Broman, 1:40:41; Janel Edwards, 1:40:46; Patrick Prazenica, 1:41:29; Dina Snider, 1:41:47; Brian Hock, 1:42:01; Gypsy Dreveniak, 1:42:08; Brian Braun, 1:42:09; Don Polito, 1:42:10; Katie Braun, 1:42:10; Cathryn Polito, 1:42:12; Edward Szczypiorski, 1:42:27; Rachel Singer, 1:42:42; Ian Schauer, 1:43:37; Donna Krist, 1:43:37; Peggy McGowan, 1:43:47; Stephanie White, 1:43:49; Sean Hutchins, 1:43:52; Gabrielle Hock, 1:44:03; Audrey Rattay, 1:44:11; Christina Filiaggi, 1:44:16; Valerie Curry, 1:44:22; Colleen Diehl, 1:45:26; David Findlay, 1:45:31; Kimberly Dambach, 1:45:55; Janet Pudlo, 1:46:13; Jeff Nelson, 1:46:47; Holly Nelson, 1:46:47; Nick Bonazza, 1:46:48; Nick Barker, 1:46:56; Julia Necciai, 1:47:33; Megan Mercer, 1:47:36; Timothy Buggy, 1:47:53; Anthony Brewer, 1:48:32; Rachelle Kelley, 1:48:44; Shana Hutchins, 1:48:57; Bryce Cooper, 1:48:58; Josh Valasek, 1:49:06; Christine Sperdute, 1:49:47; Jeff Diehl, 1:51:07; Lindsay Dickey, 1:51:08; Shane Stauffer, 1:51:20; Amy Lutz, 1:51:33; Jim Caruso, 1:51:38; Cindy Waltemire, 1:52:03; Amber Warba, 1:52:12; Amy Cooper,1:53:04; Mike Peschong, 1:53:28; Ryan Sedar, 1:53:33; Karen Steffanina, 1:54:16; Gregory DeKunder, 1:54:19; Garrett McCullough, 1:51:47; Gwendolyn Nulph, 1:55:00; Erin Foley, 1:55:18; John Ciraula, 1:56:03; Amanda Zetwo, 1:56:05; Anna Timko, 1:57:01; Kathleen Gabriel, 1:57:26; Melissa Mascari, 1:58:01; Jennifer Lipp, 1:58:23; Robert Whittington, 1:58:26; Charlene Kurpakus, 1:59:03; Karlee Babusci, 1:59:04; Susan Kushereit, 1:59:05; Susan Tirch, 1:59:18; Ella Tirch, 1:59:21; Jonathan Birchok, 1:59:21

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle